Youthfront Camp Safety

YOUTHFRONT CAMP SAFETY

We know that sending your child to camp is a big decision. Whether they’re joining us for Day Camp or Overnight Camp, you’re placing your trust in our team — and we don’t take that lightly.

Created With Care

From staff hiring and training to water safety and camper behavior support, our commitment is to create a safe, positive, and supportive environment for every camper.

Staff Hiring & Volunteer Screening

Youthfront hires nearly 60 college-aged Summer Staff each year, who serve alongside our full-time team to make camp possible. Each staff member is carefully selected and trained to care for campers in age-appropriate, relationally grounded ways.

All Staff Complete:

Adult Volunteers Complete (including parents & ministry partners):

In-depth interviews with full-time staff
Reference checks
Mandated background checks
Extensive Child Protection Policies (CPP) & safety training
Before campers arrive, summer staff complete two full weeks of training in:
- Emergency procedures
- Camper care, boundaries, and emotional safety
- Activity-specific training (water safety, ropes, group games)

Online application & background checks
Pre-camp video training and in-person orientation
CPP & safety policy training

*Our CPP has become a model for other camps and organizations in the region.

Camper Health

Our team is trained to support the whole child — physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We recognize that kids bring a range of needs, behaviors, and experiences to camp, and we’re committed to responding with care.

On Staff Medical:

Behavioral Support:

A Wellness Director is present on-site. CPR & First-aid certification is a minimum requirement for this position.
A licensed Medical Director is on call throughout the summer.
Campers are supported through homesickness, anxiety, and behavior issues with individualized attention.
Health forms and special needs are reviewed before each session.
We partner with families to manage: allergies and food accommodations; medications, sunscreen and hydration; emotional wellness and homesickness.

Youthfront staff are trained to manage challenges using relational, non-punitive ways. We have clear steps for addressing recurring issues and seek to communicate with parents as needed. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.

Water Safety

Whether your camper is enjoying our lake, pool, Splash Park, or water slide, we take water safety seriously.

Safety Procedures Include:

American Red Cross Certified lifeguards and trained lookouts oversee all aquatic areas.
For younger campers, we provide parents the option to opt in/opt out of the Splash Park.
All campers wear life jackets in lake activities, including the Splash Park and boats.
Swim tests are offered for Day Campers at the beginning of each session to assess pool readiness. Campers who don’t take or pass the test wear life jackets in the pool. Our Splash Park, pool, and water slide follow strict safety protocols.

*Water time is fun and supervised — always.

Camp Security & Emergencies

We maintain a secure and structured environment throughout the camp day.

Security Procedures Include:

All visitors are required to check-in/check-out with ID verification.
The camp entrance is gated and access is monitored by office staff. No unauthorized visitors are allowed.
Overnight camps have trained night staff and on-site adult supervisors at all times.
Staff are trained in emergency response for weather, fire, medical needs, and behavior issues.
We develop and maintain active partnerships with local first responders.

*In the unlikely event of an emergency, families will be notified as soon as possible using our camp communication system.

Weather Awareness & Protocols

Weather can change so we monitor and respond to conditions quickly.

Weather Response Includes:

Tornado warning sirens from both Johnson and Miami counties are located near our camp property, providing clear and audible alerts in case of emergency
Our full-time staff monitor live radar, lightning trackers, and weather alerts throughout each day — especially during storms or extreme heat
If thunderstorms or lightning are in the area, we immediately close all water attractions and outdoor activities. Campers are moved indoors, and activities remain paused for at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder, following safety guidelines from the National Weather Service.
It’s important to note that the camp property is not in a flash flood zone.
We adapt the camp schedule as needed to prioritize camper safety, hydration, and comfort in all weather conditions

*In case of severe weather or evacuation, families will be notified as soon as possible through our communication system.